Gavin Barwell – Keynote Speaker

Gavin Barwell served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister from June 2017 to July 2019. As the Prime Minister’s senior political adviser, he was intimately involved in the conduct of the Brexit negotiations, and the development of key domestic policies such as the long-term plan for our NHS and the UK’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He served as MP for Croydon Central from 2010 to 2017 and as a Government Whip and then Minister for Housing and Planning and Minister for London. Prior to his election to Parliament, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the Conservative Party and served as a local councillor in his hometown of Croydon. In October 2019, he was appointed to the House of Lords.

In 2021, Gavin’s book ‘Chief of Staff: Notes from Downing Street’ was released. It was selected as one of the books of the year by The Times, Guardian, and Prospect. In this book, Gavin reveals what really went on in the corridors of power during Theresa May’s time in office.

He now runs his own business providing advice to clients including Arcadis, Barratt, Bute Energy, Canopius, DLA Piper, Mace and PwC on UK public policy and geopolitics. He is also a non-executive director of Clarion Housing Group, the largest housing association in the country; sits on the Board of Community Fibre; and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Work Foundation, the leading think tank focused on improving work in the UK.